Ottoman Real Estate Tax Document 1895 Samsun Rum Quarter Greek Citizen Yuvan 1

Ottoman Property Tax Certificate Issued to Yuvan Oğlu Hurezman – Samsun, Trabzon Vilayet, 1311 (c. 1895)

Description:

This original Ottoman Turkish document, titled “Emlak Vergisine Mahsus Tezkere” (Certificate for Property Tax), was issued in the name of Yuvan Oğlu Hurezman in the Rum Mahallesi of Samsun, within the Canik Liva of Trabzon Vilayet. Dated 1311, approximately 1895, the document provides a glimpse into the Ottoman Empire’s property taxation system and the administrative records maintained for local residents during the late nineteenth century.

The certificate itemizes property-related categories, including land (arazi) and a property valuation record (tezkire-i esmani). The recorded total payment was 12 kuruş and 30 para, including 10 kuruş contributed to the Erzurum fortification fund (Erzurum İstihkâm İanesi). These entries illustrate how local property taxation could be associated with additional contributions for public or military purposes.

The document is particularly notable for its connection to the Greek community of Samsun. The name of the taxpayer, the designation of the neighbourhood as Rum Mahallesi, and the Greek-language writing and stamp provide evidence of the multilingual administrative environment of the late Ottoman Empire. A handwritten Greek signature appears to read “Ιωάννης” (Ioannis), although the reading is tentative. While the document alone cannot establish the size of the local Greek population, it offers a tangible example of a Greek-named resident’s participation in the Ottoman property taxation system.

With its Ottoman Turkish text, Greek handwriting, stamp, and revenue stamp, this document is an appealing historical record for collectors and researchers interested in Ottoman fiscal administration, the history of Samsun and the Black Sea region, and the Greek communities of the Ottoman Empire. Its specific tax details and named taxpayer make it more informative than a generic administrative form.

Key Features:

• Document Title: Emlak Vergisine Mahsus Tezkere (Certificate for Property Tax)

• Taxpayer: Yuvan Oğlu Hurezman

• Location: Rum Mahallesi, Samsun Kazası, Canik Livası, Trabzon Vilayeti

• Date: 1311, approximately 1895

• Document Type: Ottoman property tax certificate

• Tax Details: Recorded total of 12 kuruş and 30 para, including a 10-kuruş contribution to the Erzurum fortification fund

• Property Categories: Land (arazi) and property valuation record (tezkire-i esmani)

• Languages and Inscriptions: Ottoman Turkish, with Greek handwriting and a signature that may read “Ιωάννης” (Ioannis)

• Additional Features: Stamp and revenue stamp

• Historical Context: Ottoman property taxation and the administrative life of Greek communities in the Black Sea region

• Region: Samsun, Black Sea Region, Ottoman Empire